The Best Film/TV Dads

They taught us how to ride a bike, how to fix things, and make us wince with every terrible dad joke they tell. The cornier the better. For better or worse, they try to be the best fathers they can be.

The plan was to publish this on Father’s Day, but I only started writing it a couple of days before and didn't give myself enough time to finish it. However, it’s never a bad time to appreciate dads! So, I took a look back at the best dads that have blessed our screens, big and small.

First up;

1. Wayne Boggs | She’s All That

The hit 90s film had several memorable, and even iconic, moments that we still remember today, but not many talk about good ole dad! He’s so supportive and ships Laney and Zack more than anyone. My favourite part is when they’re dancing outside in the garden and Wayne turns on all the fairy lights to make it more romantic.

2. Burt Hummel | Glee

There were many problematic characters in Glee, but Burt was not one of them. Time and time again Burt stood up for Kurt and defended him against those who tried to hurt him. It didn’t matter if he didn’t understand his son, he always stood by him and respected him for who he was. Whether it was bullies physically knocking Kurt into lockers at school or calling him homophobic slurs, Daddy Burt was there to protect him.

3. Dill Penderghast | Easy A

You don’t get much parents than the parents in Easy A. Other than Dill being a wacky dad, he shows a lot of respect for his daughter. Even when she starts dressing a little risque for school he does not shame her, or even tell her she has to change her clothes. Instead, he trusts that she’s going through something, offers help, and ultimately lets her do what she needs to do.

4. Paul Hennesy | 8 Simple Rules

Paul Hennesy is almost too sad to write about given the tragic death of John Ritter midway through the second season of the show. Ritter was a comedy genius that could not be replaced, although the show did try, it only lasted another season without him before it was cancelled. Paul was a work-from-home dad, who was particularly protective over his two teenage daughters, especially when it came to boys. Despite being an embarrassment to them on many occasions, there was no doubt about how good a father he was and how much he loved his children.

5. Wayne Fields | Pretty Little Liars

Like Glee, Pretty Little Liars had many problematic characters, but that’s what happens when a show goes on for so long (too long) and is an American teen drama. You have to keep people hooked somehow! Anyway, out of all the dads in the show, you can’t beat Wayne Fields. He is one of the very few unproblematic people in this show. Although he doesn’t seem overly thrilled when Emily comes out to him, he still doesn’t look at her any differently, he doesn’t love her any less, and he certainly handles it better than Emily’s mum, who literally tells her that her being gay makes her feel sick.

6. Jim Hopper | Stranger Things

He may be a surrogate dad to Eleven, but that doesn’t make their relationship any less important. Hopper took her in and kept her safe, he taught her more about the world that she knew very little about, and more importantly, taught her how to stay safe, especially from people who would want to use her for her powers. The real gift was in season 3, when we got to see them act as a stereotypical father and daughter and watch Hopper attempting to talk to her about boys.

7. Abeo Effiong | Sex Education

As much as he feared for Eric because of who he was, he didn’t try to change him. He may have questioned his clothing, even his personality at points, but his ultimate goal was to keep his son safe in a world full of people who may want to hurt him because of who he was. He wanted Eric to be tough because he knew that there would be times when he would need to defend himself, and Abeo was smart enough to realise that he may not always be there to protect him.

8. Dr Covey | To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Dr Covey is just the most adorable dad. He adores his daughters so much, it’s too cute. He’s not over-protective, he doesn’t judge, and he lets them be themselves.

9. Dr Jake Houseman | Dirty Dancing

He may have put Baby in the corner, but he had a lot of respect for her. He would proudly tell people that she was going to be in the peace corp, he trusted her when she asked for money with no explanation, and he was humble enough to admit when he was wrong. His only supposed downfall was blaming Johnny, but in fairness when he asked who was responsible for the pregnancy, Johnny said he was… so you can’t really blame him. On top of all that he saved Penny’s life after a failed backstreet abortion.

Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments!